Samuel Frank Franklin White III

Samuel Franklin White III, 85, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, in Houston on December 10, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Franklin White II and Shelby Routh Graham, and his great grand daughter Faith Giraldo. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Bernice Murray White, son Michael White and wife Donna, daughter Pamela Williams, grandchildren Mason M. White and wife Michelle, Taylor B. White, Shannon Williams, Melissa Giraldo and husband Jaime, and great grandchildren Grace Giraldo, Dylan Giraldo and Dominic Giraldo.

Frank, as he was known, was born in Chicago, Illinois but lived his life in Houston, and was a resident of Hedwig Village for 45 years. He graduated from Lamar High School and began college at the University of Texas, but interrupted his studies to serve in the Army as a decorated Staff Sergeant and Squad Leader during World War II in the European Theatre. He then finished college with a BBA from the University of Houston. Most of his career was as a Mortgage Banker with Kinghorn –Driver, of Houston, but he retired from his own company, S.F White Appraisal Company where he performed residential appraisals for the Veterans Administration. Frank and Bernice traveled all over the world, but his passion was landscaping and gardening. He authored and published the book “Carefree Yardening”. He was a longtime and active member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston. Frank was a strong quiet man of high moral character and integrity. His word was his bond, and his commitment to his values and beliefs, his dependability, and his deep love for his family was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at Chapelwood United Methodist Church 11140 Greenbay St. Houston, TX 77024.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chapelwood United Methodist Church Foundation.